Chapter 151 The Meaning of My Existence

What is the true purpose of an academic discipline?

This is not a difficult question to answer. At least, for the distinguished doctors present today, it is by no means an insurmountable puzzle.

Fennel studies dreams for the sake of energy, extracting power directly from the dream realm.

Professor Elm studies the Egg Groups to uncover the laws of Pokémon reproduction, aiming to better raise Pokémon and elevate humanity's overall strength.

Professor Oak focuses on the relationship between Pokémon and humans, constantly pursuing the most harmonious state of coexistence.

Their research all shares clear and defined objectives.

Yet, what about Chen Ou's work?

The conclusions he has reached—the existence of legendary Pokémon and the profound significance of their immense might—what purpose do they truly serve? To reiterate, these are entities that most people will never even encounter in a single lifetime. Does studying them hold any real significance?

"Our research is meaningful."

Chen Ou did not hesitate; he spoke with resolute firmness.

Gazing directly at the young girl who had stood up to pose the question, he continued, "That is correct. Many people may never lay eyes on a legendary Pokémon in their entire lives. But precisely because legendary Pokémon exist, they are worthy of study."

With a gaze burning with steadfast confidence and a passionate tone, Chen Ou declared, "Conflicts between us and mythical beasts erupt from time to time. Countless individuals seek to harness the formidable power of legendary beings to achieve their own selfish ambitions—to conquer the world, or even to destroy it."

"Lacking a profound understanding of these mythical entities, we are often forced into direct, head-on confrontations with them. The losses we suffer are catastrophic, in both lives and property. The toll we pay reaches a truly staggering degree."

"At the same time, the mythical beasts suffer as well, whether from the anger of being obstructed, the distress of human transgression, or physical and psychological trauma. Their grievances against humanity continue to accumulate. I ask you, how could anyone possibly harbor warm feelings toward someone who treats them merely as a tool for world domination?"

"Therefore, what we need right now is absolute avoidance of devastating conflicts. What we truly require is communication with the mythical beasts—allowing them to understand humanity, and likewise enabling humanity to understand them."

"We are not enemies. On the contrary, the mythical beasts utilize their innate abilities and divine authority to maintain the stability of the world's fundamental laws. They are the guardians of the world we inhabit. Our ultimate goal is to make this world a better place. When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. If the world collapses, where shall humanity go? Since our ultimate objectives are aligned, we can negotiate, we can achieve mutual understanding, and we can view one another as true partners!"

"Why must we resort to crossing swords when we were always destined to be companions?"

"The mythical beasts need to understand mankind, and humans must learn to understand the mythical beasts. This understanding should not come from tattered manuscripts or ancient ruins, but from engaging with the living, breathing entities themselves—comprehending why they grow angry, and what drives them to fight."

"Only when both sides achieve true mutual comprehension can we ever hope to witness genuine peace and stability in this world."

"These are by no means empty, grandiose words. I ask you all to believe that in the not-so-distant future, our interactions with legendary Pokémon will steadily increase. Our research serves as the foundation—building the bridges and carving the pathways for this vital communication and exchange."

"This is the very essence and purpose of our discipline!"

Chen Ou delivered a resounding response to Eri's inquiry, effectively answering the questions lingering in everyone's minds.

A breathless silence fell over the audience. Every single person was deep in thought, digesting Chen Ou's words.

Equal communication between humans and mythical beasts?
Confrontations between mankind and legendary beings?
A shared objective uniting humans and divine Pokémon?

It suddenly sounded as though Chen Ou's discipline was not merely cultivating ordinary researchers, but rather training diplomats destined to bridge the worlds of humanity and legendary Pokémon.

For a moment, the students felt a sense of bewilderment. Yet, once they fully grasped the implications, a burning fervor welled up in the eyes of nearly every student present. Just imagine! An individual who could walk freely between mythical beasts and humanity, revered as a bridge of peace—how transcendent would their status be?

They would scarcely need political power or material wealth. For the very position they occupied would naturally become the focal point where power and riches converge.

How could anyone fail to be captivated by such a discipline?

"However, what I have just described is merely the ultimate purpose of this field."

Chen Ou ruthlessly dashed cold water over the students' increasingly blazing enthusiasm.

"Our discipline is still in its nascent stages. What we urgently need right now is a deeper understanding of mythical beasts, a more profound self-awareness of humanity, and the discovery of the proper way for humans and legendary Pokémon to coexist."

"Sacrifice and bloodshed may not necessarily occur, but hardship and relentless struggle are utterly unavoidable. The future of this discipline belongs strictly to a select few. Because those who meet the qualifications will inevitably be a tiny minority. The strength to stand tall enough to look mythical beasts in the eye, paired with a character noble enough to win the genuine recognition of both divine beings and humans—these are the fundamental qualities required to be a 'bridge'."

Naturally, Chen Ou was exaggerating to a degree. In reality, the standards were not quite that impossibly high, but they could certainly not be lowered either.

The greatest risk lay precisely in the possibility of those few individuals going astray. A broken bridge could be repaired, but should those chosen few begin deliberately stoking the flames of discord between humanity and mythical beasts, that would constitute a catastrophe of the highest order.

Thus, high demands and stringent standards were an absolute necessity. Furthermore... this was not essentially the role of a diplomat. What Chen Ou was truly researching was the meaning behind the existence of mythical beasts and the fundamental significance of human existence. At its core, Chen Ou was investigating the primordial origin and essence of the world itself.

Yet, such profound research could not simply be stated in those terms. It was far too grand; people would merely dismiss it as a joke. Chen Ou had no desire to engage in pointless debates with skeptics, so framing his doctrines in a more accessible, easily digestible manner was far more practical.

Besides, anyone who lacked Chen Ou's personal guidance could at best attain the level of the aforementioned "diplomat," falling short of becoming a true researcher.

"My answer is complete."

Chen Ou smiled at Eri. Eri returned the smile and said, "Thank you, Dr. Chen Ou. My doubts have been completely resolved."

With those words, she took her seat and handed the microphone back to the host.

On the other side of the hall, Professor Elm leaned across two empty seats to address Professor Oak. "Teacher Oak! Little Ou is practically filling in the blank pages of your research!"

His observation was entirely accurate. After all, Professor Oak's life's work was the study of the relationship between humans and Pokémon, and legendary Pokémon were, fundamentally, Pokémon as well!

As soon as Professor Elm made this remark, the other professors seated nearby nodded in unanimous agreement. Chen Ou's academic theory could indeed be considered a specialized sub-branch of Professor Oak's research, focusing on a much more concrete subject—narrowing the scope from generalized Pokémon to the specific entities known as legendary Pokémon.

However, Professor Oak himself viewed the matter rather differently. Spending every day in close proximity to Chen Ou, he was naturally well aware of the true nature of Chen Ou's research. Since Chen Ou chose not to spell it all out, Oak felt no necessity to reveal it either. He could only offer a wry smile as he accepted the envious glances directed his way by his peers.

"Let us simply listen to what this young man has to present next. The public lecture has concluded, and the academic summit is about to begin."

Professor Oak joked with a light laugh.

The surrounding professors all chuckled in response.

Indeed, an academic summit it was!